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What is spousal maintenance?

Spousal maintenance is a payment made by one spouse to the other following a divorce. It is in addition to child maintenance.

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There is no automatic right to spousal maintenance. The amount of maintenance is decided based on the couple’s financial needs and income.

Spousal maintenance (interim) can start during the divorce proceedings. Once a financial settlement is agreed, longer-term spousal maintenance will begin.

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Key Child Maintenance Information

How does spousal maintenance work? 

Spousal maintenance is a payment from one ex-spouse to the other after divorce to support them financially and to help them adjust to financial independence without undue financial hardship. It is typically made in monthly instalments. The exact amount of spousal maintenance will depend on a number of factors, such as your individual incomes.

How can our spousal support solicitors help you?

Our specialist spousal support solicitors are dedicated to helping you find the best outcome for your situation. We can tailor our services to meet the needs of your case, including offering forensic accountancy services.

How do I apply for spousal maintenance?

Spousal maintenance will be agreed as part of your financial settlement, through the legally binding financial consent order. You may be able to agree this with your ex through mediation or other non-court dispute resolution methods, which our specialist lawyers can guide you through. Where court intervention is necessary, a judge will decide on the necessary payments, and our solicitors can represent your interests in court.

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Who decides how much spousal maintenance I will pay/receive?

 

Your divorce lawyer will advise you of how much spousal maintenance a judge is likely to award you, and this will inform any negotiations you have.

If you are unable to agree on an amount and your case goes to court, the judge will decide how much you should receive.

Ideally, you will be able to reach an agreement without a judge having to decide the outcome.

You can consider mediation, arbitration or a Private FDR to help you reach a settlement.

 

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Watch out for pensions! Many people fail to include these or will trade off pension claims to receive more capital from the family home, but this can lead to unfair outcomes so expert legal advice, often including an actuary’s report, is vital.

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Let's ask Legal 500

Jemma Slavin is an all-round brilliant lawyer – she is excellent with clients and well-liked by local solicitors as an opponent, not because she is an easy opponent but because she always takes a proportionate and cost-effective approach to cases. Rachel Fisher is a friendly but formidable lawyer who is extremely good for her years of PQE. Joanna… Read more Newton is a brilliant addition to the firm – a truly high-class act.‘

Let's ask Mr D

Pensions all in order, thanks to your good work. You were very professional and would recommend you to anyone. Sincere thanks.

Let's ask A Matthews

Luanne has been fantastic in helping me navigate the complexities of my divorce, child arrangements, and potential financial orders. Her advice was always delivered professionally, yet in a way that was easy to understand and empathetic to the emotional rollercoaster I’m currently experiencing. Stowe Family Law, as a firm, were transparent fr… Read moreom the beginning about the potential costs and stages of my case. This honesty gave me clarity and peace of mind, knowing that everything was being managed properly.

Let's ask S Mills

The advice l was given was delivered in a relaxed and professional manner easy to understand and making me feel comfortable when talking complicated Spousal Maintenance issues. I would highly recommend Stowe Family Law, in particular Lauren Kite and trust that all other Solicitors are as good, having a similar approach.

Let's ask Legal 500

Joanna Newton is always extremely well prepared and aware of the issues which are likely to impact on her client’s goals. Joanna cares a great deal about achieving the right outcome for her clients.

Let's ask Mr H

Having recently completed Financial Remedy proceedings through Stowe Family Law, I have no hesitation in recommending Jennifer Reddy. Jennifer made the potentially unwieldy legal process considerably less difficult. Her helpful and professional advice meant that I always had a clear understanding of the options available to me, and her support in p… Read morereparing for my hearing allowed me to feel confident when I went into court. Thanks to Jennifer’s knowledge and guidance, the outcome of my case was far better than I had ever thought possible.

Let's ask Legal 500

Emma Newman received special mentions: ‘Emma Newman is terrific. Very experienced, organised and realistic, you can just tell how much her clients love her.’ Emma ‘has deep expertise in complex financial disputes’.

Let's ask Mrs H

I approached Louise to help me with my, divorce, finances and safeguarding issues around my children . Louise was extremely professional, friendly and knowledgeable. She offered me so much support and guidance and was with me every step of the way. It never felt like anything was too much trouble and I always felt reassured. I would highly recomme… Read morend Louise at Stowe family law, if you are looking for a highly professional and superb service then I suggest you instruct Stowe family law to act on your behalf as I am so grateful that I did.
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Matthew is Team Leader Partner and was noted in the Legal 500 for being ‘excellent’ and thinking ‘through cases very carefully to make very sound tactical decisions.’ His specialism is resolving financial issues following a divorce or separation and he frequently advises clients on cohabitation issues. He is based at our Liverpool office.

Date last reviewed: 23/04/2025

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